The cognitive benefits of word games are well-known and often discussed. For many players, the ability to sharpen the mental cogs while having fun is one of the best reasons to get started. Unfortunately, while these benefits are broadly stated, they’re frustratingly vague once you get into them.
As with the vast majority of games out there, advice generally states simply that playing word games can help with things like memory recall, information processing, and general language skills. Yet, you might play word games and not necessarily notice any difference in your mental capacities.
That can be frustrating but, realistically speaking, picking up the occasional crossword, while still beneficial, isn’t going to turn you into a genius overnight. Still, experts say that there’s a lot of truth in the cognitive potential of games like these. Making the most of that simply means taking active steps to sharpen your mind with word games. Keep on reading as we explore how to make that happen.
# 1 – Play in Different Formats
Word games are now available in various formats, and you can find a word search online just as easily as you can find one in your newspaper. It’s easy to assume that both formats will bring the same benefits, but that’s not necessarily true. For instance, analog games tend to be more directly linked to improved cognitive health in older players, while online games tend to provide more social stimulation and the benefits that can come with it.
As such, our first step for making the most of word game cognition is to simply play across formats. Don’t simply settle into your daily Wordle quiz and assume that’s enough. It’s also worth stepping outside of your comfort zone with a physical word search once in a while. Equally, if you tend to just complete one crossword in the weekly paper, head online where you’ll have more choice, and more company.
# 2 – Mix up Your Games
We all tend to pick our favorite word games and stick with them, but did you know that this might not be the best way to improve your thinking? In truth, the best cognitive benefits are seen in players who partake in various word games on a regular basis. As well as stopping you from becoming complacent as you play, this constant switching ensures that you’re able to play games that offer a larger number of different cognitive plus points.
For instance, if you usually play crosswords, which can improve memory and language skills, then you might also want to introduce Wordle, which taps more into game logic, and word searches, which center more around identifying patterns. Experts also recommend playing both word and number games, as number-based puzzles like Sudoku also bring plenty of cognitive benefits, and can actually be more effective for skills like memory and recollection.
# 3 – Challenge Yourself
Experts also insist that true cognitive improvement will mainly come when you start challenging yourself. In other words, players who solely focus on word puzzles that keep them in their comfort zones probably won’t notice much of a difference in their thinking. It’s only by tackling word puzzles that require concentration and consideration that you can really start to hone those cognitive skills.
Online word puzzles are particularly great for this purpose, as they allow you to choose and change the difficulty level of each puzzle you complete. That means you’ll be able to climb up the word puzzle ranks with ease, and also that you can quickly test out more difficult puzzles, and drop back down a ranking or two if they’re too challenging for you at the time. Players of games like Wordle could also benefit from downloading further word puzzle apps, which can see you needing to decode more words at once, or more difficult/longer words than in the original game.
This focus on improvement is also beneficial because it provides undeniable proof of the cognitive benefits you’re experiencing. Unlike vague claims for better memory skills that you’ll probably never be able to test, you’ll see firsthand how your brain improves as those more difficult puzzles become a lot easier and you move up again.
# 4 – Tap Into More Social Elements
Word puzzles may provide certain mental benefits, but they can also be quite isolating. And, considering that loneliness can impair cognitive functions like memory and focus, sitting alone with a word search for extended periods could actually undo any potential cognitive benefits. That’s why experts also recommend tapping into the more social elements of word puzzles.
Luckily, online play has made this an easy goal to achieve. Many platforms now offer players the opportunity to join gaming communities, compete on leaderboards, and even invite their friends to play at the same time from a different location. Word puzzle apps like Wordle have also become highly social, with players discussing their scores and generally competing amongst themselves.
By ridding you of the cognitive risks of isolation, this simple step towards more social gameplay could leave your brain feeling significantly sharper after even a short session.
# 5 – Integrate Word Games into a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle
Experts also urge players to remember that simply engaging in word play isn’t enough to keep every element of cognitive health in check. Instead, you should pair these puzzles with other cognitively beneficial lifestyle improvements.
Brain-healthy diets are especially important for keeping your brain sharp in a way that crosswords simply can’t on their own, and should include fatty fish, leafy greens, and plenty of olive oil. All of which can bring memory-boosting benefits of their own. Regular exercise can also play a part in increasing blood flow to the brain, which can improve memory, enhance focus, and reduce cognitive decline. And, of course, plenty of socialization is important as discussed.
When you pair these things with those word puzzles you love so much, you can bet you’ll start to see the cognitive results you’re hoping for at long last.
